Computed tomography in evaluation of gunshot wounds of the spine.

Seven patients with gunshot wounds to the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine were evaluated with conventional radiography, complex motion tomography, and computed tomography (CT). Computed tomography was better than complex motion tomography or conventional radiography for the assessment of the presence of fracture(s), bony and metallic fragments, and associated soft tissue injuries. In each case CT provided additional information not available by the other techniques.